Camping is a blast, and a great way to get in touch with nature. But since you’ll be away from many conveniences, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. One of the ways to make sure you have an amazing trip is by bringing along one of the best camping canopies. While most people think your camping tent is the most important part of your trip, the truth is that most people don’t stay in the tent when they’re not sleeping.
Camping canopies provide a lounging or dining area that’s protected from the sun and rain. They’re great for camping trips with family or friends, and can offer extra overnight storage space if your tent is full. Some even have walls to protect you from bugs and wind. There are a ton of different choices on the market, so it’s important to find one that fits your camping style. Below is a guide to lead you to the right choice.
Quick Answer: Best Camping Canopies
Below is a list of the best canopies for camping:
- Coleman Instant Screenhouse
- Eurmax Ez Pop Up Canopy Tent
- Clam Quick Set Escape Shelter Popup Tent
- Caddis Rapid Shelter Canopy
- REI Co-op Screen House Shelter
- E-Z Up Pyramid Instant Shelter
- ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent
- Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent
- Crown Shades Outdoor Pop-up Canopy
- Coleman Screened Canopy Tent
What to Look for in a Good Camping Canopy
Here are some things to consider before purchasing your next camping canopy.
1. Space
Be sure you purchase a canopy that will fit everyone. If you’re solo camping, you don’t need a canopy to fit eight people; it’ll just add extra unnecessary weight. If you’re camping with your family then you want to make sure the canopy is large enough to fit everyone.
Also, consider that the larger the canopy, the more it’s likely to weigh. If you’re camping near your vehicle then it’s no big deal, but if you’re going to do a bit of hiking before you set up camp, then make sure you’re mindful of the weight of the canopy tent.
2. Materials
Bad weather is inevitable, so it’s important to make sure you have a canopy tent that can stand up to the elements. First and foremost, you want to make sure the frame is durable. You also want fabrics that are waterproof and protect you from UV rays. If you camp places where rain is common, you’ll probably want to get the best camping canopy for rain so you can make sure everything and everyone stays safe and dry under it.
3. Ease of Setup
The last thing you want to do when you get to a campsite is spend 30 minutes trying to figure out how to set up your canopy. Many of the best canopy options have one-piece frames that can be put together by two people in no time. Even if a canopy looks nice, make sure you’re clear about how to set it up before you buy it.
4. Features
Some canopies provide only a frame and a top. For some, that’s fine. Depending on your camping style, here are some other features you might want to consider. While some tents don’t include additional features, you may be able to purchase them separately.
- Screened Walls: Especially if you’re somewhere bugs and mosquitos are common, screened walls can be a blessing. They let you see nature, while keeping you, your belongings, and your food protected. If you get a canopy with screen walls, make sure you know how the doors are secured.
- Floors: Floors help prevent ground water from leaking and bugs from crawling in.
- Rolling Carrying Bag: This makes transportation so much easier, especially if you’re camping a little ways from your car or house.
- Stakes / Ropes / Guy Lines: These are used to secure the tent. They’re especially important if wind is a factor.
Best Camping Canopy Reviews
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best camping canopies currently on the market.
Overall Best Canopy for Camping
1. Eurmax Ez Pop Up Canopy Tent
The best canopy tent for camping is the Eurmax Ez Pop Up Canopy Tent. The commercial grade canopy has a strong full truss design that’s rust resistant and has a hammertone powder coated finish. The fabric is made of 500D polyester that’s CPAI-84 fire retardant certified and blocks about 99% of UV rays. It has a thumb lock system, three different height position options, and can be put together in only a few minutes without any tools. This canopy tent comes in three different size options (10’ x 10’, 10’ x 15’, and 10’ x 20’) and each one includes the frame, cover, a roller bag, and four weight bags. The Eurmax Ez Pop Up Canopy Tent is perfect for camping, picnics, and other fun outdoor activities.
Best Screen Canopy for Camping
2. Coleman Instant Screenhouse
Coleman has created the top contender of the best screenhouses for camping. The Coleman Instant Screenhouse protects you from the sun and bugs so you can enjoy the day with your loved ones. It has a double-thick fabric to keep you protected from the elements. This screen house has two doors that can be kept open with built-in loops or closed with zippers. It can be set up quickly, and the ground stakes and pre-attached guy lines keep it stable even when the wind picks up. The screenhouse comes in two sizes; 10’ x 10’ and 15’ x 13,’ and it packs down nicely into the included carrying bag. Bringing along the Coleman Instant Screenhouse means mosquitos will never again ruin your camping trips.
Best of the Rest
3. Clam Quick Set Escape Shelter Popup Tent
As one of the best pop up canopy tents on the market, the Clam Quick Set Escape measures 12’ x 12’ and has enough room for up to eight people. The tent provides 94 square feet of space, has a 7.5’ center height clearance, and can fit a standard size picnic table. The 210D poly-oxford tent offers 50+ UV guard protection, a mesh screen, and a water-resistant roof. It includes six tent stakes, tie down ropes, and a carrying bag. Packing down to only 72” x 8” x 8”, the Clam Quick Set Escape Shelter Popup Tent is an ideal option for family camping trips.
4. Caddis Rapid Shelter Canopy
The perfect canopy for the beach or mountain trips, the Caddis Rapid Shelter Canopy is a heavy-duty shelter that guarantees you can still have fun even if the sun is blazing or the rain is coming down. It only takes about one minute to setup the tent which can be easily adjusted to three different heights by using the push-release buttons. The canopy has a top height of 11’ and offers 100 square feet of space. It has a waterproof top, is flame-resistant, and provides UV protection. The four straps allow you to secure the fabric to the frame, and stakes are included to secure the frame to the ground. The Caddis Rapid Shelter Canopy is an amazing canopy, but it does weigh about 53 pounds, so don’t plan to carry it far from a vehicle.
5. REI Co-op Screen House Shelter
Perfect for warm weather camping, the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter protects you from bugs and the sun while providing 360° views and ventilation. The 10’ x 10’ shelter doesn’t have a floor, so it can act as a lounge area, or you can place it over a picnic table. It has a 7’ peak height, offers 100 square feet of covered area, and has two doors that are secured with zippers. The 13-pound canopy is made from polyester taffeta and the has aluminum poles. It also has pockets where you can store your smaller items without losing them and help prevent clutter. If you need a screen tent for camping go with the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter.
6. E-Z Up Pyramid Instant Shelter
You can take the E-Z Up Pyramid Instant Shelter almost anywhere, so it makes for the ideal canopy for outdoors. The shelter is 10’ x 10’ and has a maximum headroom of 10’ 5”. It can be setup without needing any tools and packs down to 62” x 8” x 8”. The canopy adjusts to three different heights and doesn’t have crossbars running through the middle, providing more headroom. The shelter is fire resistant and protects you from UV rays so you can stay safe throughout your outdoor adventures. The included roller bag makes it easy to bring the E-Z Up Pyramid Instant Shelter everywhere from your backyard to Big Sur.
7. ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent
The ABCCANOPY waterproof canopy is a great option whether you’re partying in the sun or rain. The canopy tent offers 10’ x 10’ of shade allowing you to cover several camping chairs and it only takes two people to set it up, allowing you to choose from one of three height options. The fabric is heavy duty and protects from the sun. Included is also a roller bag, sand bags, stakes, and ropes to keep it secure. The ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent packs down to 66” x 9” x 9” and is easy to transport to wherever you’re camping.
8. Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent
The Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent is a heavy duty 150D canopy that gives you a 13’ x 13’ shaded area. In less than three minutes it can be set up and protecting you from the sun. The canopy has an 8’ 4” center height and two-way roof vents to keep air circulating as temperatures rise. The one-piece frame has lightweight poles that include comfort grips to make it easy to lock into place. The included easy-pull wheeled bag fits in most cars for easy transporting.
9. Crown Shades Outdoor Pop-up Canopy
The Crown Shades Outdoor Pop-up Canopy is a sturdy canopy that you can bring on camping trips for years to come. It’s 10’ x 10’ and can comfortably provide coverage for about six people. It has a central hub setup system which makes putting it up a breeze. The canopy has three different height options and a peak height of around 9’. Its top repels water while also protecting you from the sun. Eight stakes and four guy ropes are included to help you secure the canopy. The Crown Shades Outdoor Pop-up Canopy is one of the best things to bring along on your next camping trip.
10. Coleman Screened Canopy Tent
Get ready to enjoy a bug-free camping trip when you choose the Coleman Screened Canopy Tent. The screened walls keep the mosquitos away while still letting you see the beauty of nature. It can be set up almost instantly and has two doors for easy access. It’s ideal for having meals and lounging, and can even fit several sleeping bags. The 12’ x 10’ canopy has an 8’ 4” center height and also offers sun protection. The Coleman Screened Canopy Tent has double-thick fabric so you can be confident it will stand up to the elements year after year.
Some people didn’t know they needed a canopy tent until they got one, and now they’ll never camp without it. Whether you’re camping in your backyard or in one of America’s amazing national parks, a canopy tent will give you an extra layer of protection you’re sure to appreciate.
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